Seven Dead in Fatal Plane Crash Including Former NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle and Family
A plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina claimed the lives of seven people, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, and their children Ryder (5) and Emma (14). The crash occurred roughly ten minutes after the plane took off at about 10:05 a.m. ET on a flight en route to the Bahamas via Sarasota, Florida. The aircraft began returning to the airport approximately five minutes after takeoff, with witnesses reporting that it was stable on approach, lights on, and configured for landing but flying low.
Among the victims were also Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth. Three licensed pilots were on board, though the pilot in control during the flight has not been identified. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated the exact cause of the crash remains unknown as the investigation continues. A distressing text from a passenger about an emergency landing was confirmed by the NTSB; an earlier report of a text from Biffle’s wife indicating trouble was not confirmed.
Greg Biffle, aged 55, was a celebrated NASCAR driver, achieving more than 50 career wins across NASCAR's Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series, including 19 Cup wins, and was the Trucks champion in 2000 and Xfinity champion in 2002. NASCAR described Biffle as a beloved member of the NASCAR community and a fierce competitor. President Donald Trump, while speaking in North Carolina, called Biffle a "great young man" and offered condolences to both the state and the Biffle family during this tragic event.
